Leadership

Our leaders, professional staff, and volunteers reflect the Integrative Model of Recovery.  Harriet Rossetto, L.C.S.W. is both the C.E.O. and supervises the Clinical Department which includes a staff of trained therapists, interns, and chemical dependency counselors. She also supervises the Development Department and the Financial Office. Rabbi Mark Borovitz, Assistant Rabbi Jay Siegel, and Cantor Rebekah Mirsky lead services, officiate at life cycle events, and provide spiritual and pastoral counseling to residents and the greater community.   

Beit T'Shuvah is committed to hiring our graduates in all capacities whenever feasible.  Of the approximately 50 employees, more than half are Beit T'Shuvah residents or alumni. 

Harriet Rossetto, CEO, Founder, & Clinical Director

Harriet Rossetto is a woman of passion and vision whose life quest was to find her "calling," the place where she could make a difference and help to repair her corner of the world.

Harriet was blessed with a missionary spirit and a skeptical mind, which were often at war with one another.  She "heard a different drummer", which put her at odds with her peers and the institutions that trained and employed her in social work school.  Her passion to help people and to change the social system led to the accusation that she "over-identified with her clients".  Nonetheless, she received her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 1964.

Fifteen years ago, past forty, Harriet finally recognized "the Call" and had the courage and vision to answer it.  It came in the form of a small ad in the Los Angeles Times looking for "a person of Jewish background and culture to help incarcerated Jewish offenders".   Her "still, small voice" cried out, "This is it!"  She embraced the challenge of an unpopular cause, fighting the widespread denial that "nice Jewish men and women" could be addicts and criminals of every kind and description.

Harriet soon recognized that most of the Jews in jail committed crimes as a by-product of the "dis-ease" of addictions.   Harriet instinctively knew that jailing these broken people neither "fixed" them nor protected society.  Again and again their untreated efforts to change returned them to jail within months of release.  It was a vicious cycle.  Harriet's frustration with the lack of community resources to release these people from the cycle of recidivism prompted her to envision what has become Beit T'Shuvah, the House of Return.

Her belief that addiction is a malady of the soul that requires spiritual healing inspired her to create a community that supported the process of recovery.  Harriet was the pioneer of this first residential program in the country that integrates Judaism, 12 Steps and psychotherapy and has been its guiding spirit for over 20 years.

The community has recognized Harriet's perseverance, commitment and originality in sustaining this unique program.  The program received the 1991 Isaiah Award from the Jewish Federation for meeting a previously unmet community need.  Harriet received the 1991 Alan Kassin award for professional achievement from the Jewish Communal Professionals and was honored by the Friends of Beit T'Shuvah at their 1999 dinner dance.  Later that year, Harriet received the Vision in Philanthropy Award.  Harriet is a much sought after speaker and lecturer in synagogues and community groups. She is a trainer for the National Association of Social Workers, teaching classes in addiction.

Mark Borovitz, Harriet's husband and the Rabbi of Beit T'Shuvah, describes her as a "lamed vovnick", one of the 36 Righteous people who, in Jewish tradition, are believed to sustain the world.  For Harriet personally, the greatest reward is the continuing privilege of witnessing and participating in the miracle of transformation.

Rabbi Mark Borovitz, Senior Rabbi & Spiritual Leader

Rabbi Mark Borovitz is the senior Rabbi and spiritual leader of the Beit T'Shuvah recovery program and Congregation Beit T'Shuvah.  Rabbi Mark's personal spiritual journey and his Rabbinic education provides a unique and valuable perspective on Jewish culture and learning.  His recently published memoir, The Holy Thief, co-written with Alan Eisenstock, chronicles his journey from con man to Rabbi and community leader.  In early 2004, Mark was one of 7 people invited to a roundtable discussion with President George W. Bush about faith and recovery.  Mark was also mentioned in President Bush's speech before the 1st Conference on Faith-Based Initiatives.

Rabbi Mark is a graduate of National University with a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science, a recipient of a Masters in Rabbinic Literature, and was ordained as a Rabbi from the University of Judaism. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition for community service.

The spiritual journey that led Mark Borovitz to Beit T'Shuvah began many years ago when he was serving as an inmate Rabbi's Clerk at the California State Prison in Chino.  His program of spiritual recovery and unique approach to the teaching of the Bible - based on both traditional scholars and the principles of the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous - make his message uniquely accessible to those who come to Beit T'Shuvah with disordered lives and a desire to return to spiritual values.

Mark draws attention to the problem of addiction and to the powerful ammunition against it, both in counteraction and prevention.  He has been invited to speak at numerous centers across the United States.  He has been a panelist at many seminars discussing Spirituality and Recovery, including CASA at Columbia University.  In a recent speaking engagement, Rabbi Mark was described as one who ".takes a very personal and meaningful approach to Torah.  [He] makes it real and practical.  [His] interpretation gives Torah a new sense of importance, vitality, and something to grasp onto, beyond the historical and ethical merits.  I think [his] views inspire people to want to learn more."

The story of Mark Borovitz and his work is also featured in a chapter of the book, Stalking Elijah by Roger Kamenetz.  Mark has been featured in articles in Los Angeles Times, Moment Magazine and The Jewish Journal, newspapers across the country and in The Wall Street Journal. 

Mark is married to Harriet Rossetto, the founder of Beit T'Shuvah.  They share the dream of Beit T'Shuvah, working in harmony to further T'Shuvah and Recovery through Faith in the world.

Rabbi Jay Siegel, Associate Rabbi

Rabbi Jay Siegel joined the Beit T'Shuvah team in 2003 as a rabbinic intern. During this time he was able to continue bringing together his two passions, Judaism and recovery. After receiving his B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota, Rabbi Siegel worked at Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, a center for recovery. He then moved to Los Angeles were he was ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in May 2008. He has served the community in many different groups, including Hillel, an on campus community, Crossroads, a center in Jerusalem for at-risk teens, and the Sholom Home, a retirement community. Rabbi Siegel has spoken widely on addiction and believes deeply in the importance of sharing and transmitting the messaged of hope and recovery. He prays to continue to build and help create community through Jewish principles, while working to add to the important work done at Beit T'Shuvah. Jay is married to Jyllian, and together they have a son, Binyamin.

Cantor Rebekah Mirsky

Cantor Rebekah Mirsky was born in New York City to parents Rabbi Norman and Elaine Mirsky and raised in Cincinnati, OH.  Picking up a guitar at 17, she wrote and played her own songs at clubs.  She toured around the south as a solo performer, opening for artists such as Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams, and recording 5 albums of original music.  She began her Cantorial studies at the Academy of Jewish Religion in 2001, and is slated to graduate in May of 2009.  Rebekah has served as active Cantor at Beit T'shuvah for 4 years, serving as everything from liturgical leader to spiritual counselor to Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor.  Her extensive songwriting and performing skills have been an incomparable asset to the Music in Recovery program, as she plays a crucial role in the writing of several of the Beit T'Shuvah original songs..  Rebekah's musical expertise has also been applied to the recent creation of the Beit T'shuvah original musical production, Freedom Song.  Cantor Mirsky hopes to stay at Beit T'shuvah for many future years, as she has described this position as "the love of her life."

Elaine Breslow, Administrative Director

Elaine Breslow is the Administrative Director of Beit T'Shuvah. This is where her life-long struggle to find a place where she could make a difference was finally realized.

Her journey began when someone suggested she volunteer at the Suicide Prevention Center to help cope with her boredom and depression - and the experience of helping others in need was both fulfilling and therapeutic. Unfortunately, this venture was not understood by her peers and resulted in further isolation.

In 1982, Elaine found out her 11-year-old son was addicted to a variety of harmful substances. This situation became the catalyst for a return to school and a degree in drug and alcohol counseling. Then, in 1990, she was appointed the Chairperson of the first Union American Hebrew Congregation's Task Force on addiction. She organized the "Not-So-Secret" of Addiction in the Jewish Community and it was there that she met Harriet Rossetto and Rabbi Mark Borovitz.

Having the qualifications and first hand experience on the subject, Elaine was offered the opportunity to develop a family program for Beit T'Shuvah. This part-time position has turned into a full-time mission. In helping others to struggle with their demons, she has learned to better manage her own - and this and honesty has helped her discover a Judaism that is meaningful to her.

Her family group meets weekly and serves as a great source of comfort and hope to those who struggle with addiction within their family. Beyond the family program, Elaine is an integral part of the reintegration process for many residents. She not only offers counseling, but helps in money management and career planning. In addition to her own involvement, her husband, Warren Breslow, is one of only two people to serve as president of the Beit T'Shuvah Board. She was finally able to integrate all aspects of her life.

Elaine's selfless devotion is an inspiration to both the Beit T'Shuvah community and the community at large.

Faina Geller, C.F.O.

Born in Russia, Faina Geller moved to the United States in 1979 with a BA in Finance.  Using her accounting experience, she took a job as an accountant at the Delphi Information Science Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, where she eventually became the Vice President.  She has also worked for the Jewish Community Foundation, National Council of Jewish Women, and Jewish Community Centers as a controller.  In 1991, she received her C.P.A. Faina's affiliation with Beit T'Shuvah began when her son needed help and she began to attend Shabbat services in order to support him.  Since 2003, she has been the Chief Financial Officer of Beit T'shuvah.  Faina brings her personal understanding of addiction as a family disease toher job as C.F.O., enabling her to consider the well-being of the clients as well as the financial well being of the agency. 

Kathy Marks, M.A. MFT, Clinical Director

Kathy Marks currently serves as the Clinical Director of Beit T'Shuvah. Kathy is responsible for directing all the clinical, counseling and related services including psychiatric care for the purposes of treatment. She works with the program coordinator to ensure that the treatment needs of all clients are being met including spiritual counseling, 12-step participation and psychotherapy. Kathy oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive integrative treatment training program for all staff. In the spirit of Beit T'Shuvah’s mission to meet all clients on an individual basis to effect change, healing and growth, Kathy and her team look to create and provide creative and innovative practices to the overall treatment of clients.

Kathy works closely with the Harriet Rossetto on all clinical issues and participates in the planning and development of the overall direction of Beit T’Shuvah.

In 2002, Kathy left behind a successful financial management career, a marriage and life down under in New Zealand and started over, pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. During her student tenure, Kathy volunteered at Airport Marina Counseling Center, where she saw clients and co-led a group targeting female survivors of childhood abuse. 

Kathy joined Beit T'Shuvah in 2003 as a counselor and upon completing her Master’s in 2004, she merged her clinical and business skills to direct and professionalize Beit T'Shuvah’s Partners in Prevention program. With her experience in developing that outreach program while staying close to the clinical aspects of Beit T'Shuvah and seeing clients for therapy, it was a natural fit to step into the role of Clinical Director.

On a personal level, Kathy attributes her participation in Beit T'Shuvah as providing her the spiritual growth and life she has come to cherish. She is grateful to all of the staff and residents who make working at Beit T'Shuvah a true joy. She loves exotic cultures and has seen much of the world. Kathy now lives in the LA area with her psychologist husband Evan, their dog Zak and their cat Red.

Adam Mindel-Program Coordinator

Adam entered BTS during the summer of 2003 as a resident in search of a miracle. Despite success as stockbroker and financial consultant, Adam struggled with addiction for many years. During his stay at BTS, Adam learned of his Judaism, found spirituality, along with a thirst for personal and professional growth Adam became convinced that his personal journey of recovery was to continue learning as an individual, and translate those lessons into service to individuals suffering from the disease of addiction. Adam a “proud product” of Beit T’Shuvah, has based his recovery on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Jewish Spirituality and Psychotherapy.

Since 2004, Adam has earned a Bachelors in Human Development, Certification in Drug and Alcohol counseling through UCLA, and is currently in the midst of completing graduate school as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

As program coordinator Adam along with Kathy Marks oversee the residential and outpatient programs of Beit T’Shuvah

Andrew Wasser - Family Program Director

Andrew Wasser has been with Beit T'Shuvah for 2 years, starting as a volunteer therapist and recently becoming our Family Program Director. Andrew has a Masters in psychology and is a licensed intern marriage and family therapist. Beyond establishing the Family Wellness Program, our Surf Therapy group is the brain-child of this avid surfer - he joins the residents every Friday morning to experience the sunrise on the water and wrap t'fillin. Andrew believes in inspiring his clients and their families to think outside the box in order to realize and define their own type of spirituality and harmony.   

Barbara Friedman, Development Director

Barbara Friedman’s career began in education. From 1973 to 1977, she was an elementary education teacher working in grades 1 through 6 in New Jersey. She received a Master’s in Remedial Reading in 1977 and worked as a remedial reading teacher until 1983. At that point, as she was unable to find further teaching jobs, she began a 21-year career in the business world as an executive assistant, beginning at Merrill Lynch in New York City. After moving to Los Angeles in 1990, she worked at the Times Mirror Company and then at a television production company. However, having made some bad choices, she ended up as a resident at BTS in 2000. After completing the program, she worked at the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Division and then as the Executive Assistant to the President at G&K Management.  

Since November of 2006, Barbara has been working as the Development Coordinator at Beit T’Shuvah. She currently has over 8 years sober, is a candidate for an MBA in Nonprofit Management at American Jewish University and is considered by her coworkers as an “inspiration”. 

Nina Haller, Director of Major Gifts

Nina Haller is the most recent addition to our Development Department as Director of Major Gifts. She was the Director of the Business and Professional Division of the Jewish Federation of the East Bay where she initiated and grew the Real Estate & Finance Division and worked closely with the Jewish Community Leadership. Nina is an attorney who practiced at Loeb & Loeb and then was a legal recruiter before joining the Federation. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Hastings College of the Law.

Carrie Newman - Alternative Sentencing Coordinator

Carrie Newman is currently working as the Alternative Sentencing Coordinator here at Beit T'Shuvah. Carrie received her B.A. in Criminology in 2003, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and helps others who struggle with addiction through social work, advocacy, and involvement in creating social policy that favors rehabilitation over punitive measures to cope with crime and addiction.

As the Alternative Sentencing Coordinator, Carrie provides outreach and counseling to Jewish, criminal offenders. It is her job to interview and assess incarcerated individuals, who are potential candidates for Beit T'Shuvah. Upon being viewed as a viable applicant, she advocates for these individuals in the courts, that they may be sentenced to Beit T'Shuvah as an alternative to long-term incarceration in jail or prison. For many, their criminal activity was a direct result of drug or alcohol addiction.

Carrie's "expertise" in her work is the direct result of her personal experience of 23 years of active addiction to a variety of substances, and of her own numerous contacts with the criminal justice system before being alternatively sentenced to Beit T'Shuvah in 1996.

In the year that Carrie lived at Beit T'Shuvah, she would discover that abstaining from drugs and alcohol was the easy part of recovery. Struggling with the demons that led her to use drugs and alcohol to feel comfortable in the world would prove to be the difficult part. Beit T'Shuvah nurtured that struggle, allowing Carrie to discover her soul and to find what she calls "her place in the universe."

Carrie's journey at Beit T'Shuvah has included many blessings, both spiritual and material. She discovered a connection to her and met her soul mate and husband, Scott with whom she shares a "bountiful life of blessing and love." It is through the guidance and nurturing of Beit T'Shuvah that Carrie has embarked upon her career as the Alternative Sentencing Coordinator.

Harold Rothstein, Men and Women's Intake Coordinator

Harold Rothstein came to Beit T’Shuvah as a resident in June 1999 after using drugs and alcohol for 30 years. He completed the program in January of 2000 and was then hired as an Addiction Specialist. Shortly after, he enrolled in the Drug and Alcohol Program at UCLA which he completed in 2002. Formerly the Director of Operations taking care of day-to-day operations for BTS, Harold’s current responsibilities are completing assessments for admission to BTS, room assignments and counseling residents.